Answers to the top questions about
the St. Olaf Annual Fund.

Who are the "partners" in Partners in Annual Giving?
Partners are alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and other friends of the college who contribute to the future of St. Olaf through annual gifts. When you give to Partners in Annual Giving, you'll see the value of your individual gift compounded by those of your fellow "partners."

Why is it important to give to the annual fund?
Partners in Annual Giving is unique in that your gift is unrestricted, which means it is used to meet a wide variety of vital needs including financial aid, library resources, faculty salaries, and student-faculty research.

Does any portion of my Partners gift support the endowment?
No. Annual giving provides budget relief. This allows us to minimize the draw from the endowment, which ensures the long-term stability of the college. Partners funds are spent in the current fiscal year to meet current needs and priorities.

I can't afford to give a lot of money. Will my small gift make any difference to the college?
Absolutely! In 2008-09 fiscal year half of all Partners gifts were $100 or less, but each contributed to the annual fund's grand total of $3.76 million.

Does the percentage of alumni giving matter?
Yes. Participation in the annual fund is a strong indication of alumni satisfaction. Your gift says to current Oles and other constituencies that you value your St. Olaf experience and believe in its mission to educate students to live lives of worth and service.

Why does Partners ask new graduates to contribute when they're not yet established?
We encourage young Oles to get in the habit of giving a gift, no matter the size, and to continue the St. Olaf alumni tradition of helping current students receive a meaningful, values-based education.

Can I designate how my gift will benefit St. Olaf?
Of course. We hope you will consider leaving your entire gift as unrestricted funds to put your money to work immediately wherever the need is greatest. However, every dollar given to St. Olaf by alumni, parents, and friends is valued and will be used for the purposes you intend.